'There's only One Tree Hill': Cast and fans of unite to say goodbye to hit TV show in final episode after nine years on screen

It's not often that a television show strikes such a chord with viewers that it lasts for an astonishing nine years on the small screen.

But last night One Tree Hill bid farewell to its fans with an emotional series finale in the final episode since the programme first hit screens back in 2003.

The ninth season concluded with the trials and tribulations of the residents of Tree Hill left happy and settled in their lives - a far cry from the days when the show first aired.

Saying goodbye: One Tree Hill last night bid farewell to viewers with an emotional final episode

When it first made an appearance on our screens, One Tree Hill focused on the troubled upbringing of two brothers, Nathan and Lucas Scott - played by James Lafferty and Chad Michael Murray.

And while Murray and co-star Hilarie Burton, who played Peyton Sawyer, quit the show ahead of the seventh season, cast members including Bethany Joy Galeotti, who plays Haley James Scott, and Sophia Bush, as Brooke Davis, continued to delight viewers with the antics of Tree Hill's regulars.

So as the show came to an emotional end last night, the cast spoke about their fondest memories surrounding the series.

Taking to Twitter: Tyler Hilton, who plays Chris Keller in the show, also tweeted his sadness at the end of the programme

Bush said: 'For this to have been our job, to grow up here and evolve as people and as characters, it’s huge.'

While Lafferty added: 'From the conversations I’ve had with fans, the show has
helped them through tough periods in their lives, and I think that’s a
testament to where the heart of our show is.'

And Creator Mark Schwahn said: 'Considering where we came
from and considering the huge odds against us, there are not many more
greater underdog stories than us.'

As they were: James Lafferty as Nathan Scott, Hilarie Burton as Peyton and Chad Michael Murray as Lucas Scott in the pilot for One Tree Hill back in 2003

Basketball dreams: The story originally focused on Nathan and Lucas Scott and their basketball rivalry

Meanwhile, writing on her website on Wednesday, Bethany Joy Galeotti told fans: 'Well, tonight at 8pm One Tree Hill will air it's final episode ever, after 9 seasons.

'I couldn't let today go by without paying homage to the show where I grew up, where I learned some of my most important life lessons, where I learned about being part of a team and being a professional, and where I fell in love with a little town and its beautiful people.'

'As you sit down with your friends to watch tonight's series finale, remember my gratitude to you and my sincere hope that we will continue to encounter journeys together, even if we never meet. My heart is full and warm and so very very grateful. YOU are the only reason tonight is possible. May God bless you in strange, great, unimaginable ways. All my love!'

And Tyler Hilton, who stars as the love him or hate him character Chris Keller in the show, tweeted: 'Say goodnight to a very special show
tonight as i perform a song 1 last time on its final episode ever @cw
8/7c. Theres only One Tree Hill.'

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One Tree Hill finale episode: Cast and fans unite to say goodbye to hit TV show